Ben Simmons admits he’s built a ‘tough skin’ because criticism ‘doesn’t f***ing stop’

Ben Simmons has responded to the recent criticism he has received over a video of him making an airball balloon during the Brooklyn Nets’ Practice in the Park.

“It finds me all the time,” Simmons told ESPN ahead of Wednesday’s preseason game against the Milwaukee Bucks. “And it doesn’t fucking stop. Sometimes I’m even tired of it, but then I think, “Okay, I’m Ben Simmons, you know? It’s part of being Ben Simmons now.”

Simmons is no stranger to criticism and has had more than his fair share of it between his time in both Philadelphia and Brooklyn.

Simmons infuriated Sixers fans with his inability and unwillingness to shoot outdoor shots

‘Recently there was a clip where I aired a shot in the park. Meanwhile, about 10 boys have fired several shots. So it’s like people find one clip and try to make it all — like Ben can’t [this or that].’

Most of the criticism surrounding Simmons tends to go back to the inability and unwillingness to shoot from the outside.

‘Come on man, do you think I’m just airing every shot? It’s not true. But it’s part of it, and you have to have a hard skin and I realize that, but no, I can’t take everything personally. It’s social media,” he continued.

Simmons came into action for the Nets on Wednesday and impressed with a 107-97 win on Wednesday night

Simmons was traded to Brooklyn last February after requesting a transaction from the 76ers after citing concerns about his mental health as the reason for wanting to leave Philadelphia.

After the trade, he was ineligible for the Nets due to a back injury.

The fact that he hasn’t played an NBA game in nearly a year and a half only seemed to make his critics louder.

The 26-year-old Australian further stated that he has leaned on his all-star teammates Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.

“Ky and I were talking about it literally right before practice,” Simmons said. “He’s like, ‘Why is everyone sitting on our heads?’ But it fits. Damn, we’re interesting people, I guess. You wouldn’t talk about some guys because you just don’t care.’

When he explains why he thinks he handles so much fan criticism, they say, ‘Because people know what I can do, what I’m capable of. I believe it is. Like I was someone who wasn’t able to do certain things, I don’t think people would be so close to me. And I don’t mind because it motivates me in a way.

“Of course sometimes it’s a lot for someone to deal with, but I kind of see it as a matter of respect in a way.”

Simmons was in action for the Nets on Wednesday night, impressing in their 107-97 win over the Bucks before the start of the season.

Kyrie Irving (center) talks to guard Simmons (left) and Kevin Durant (7) during the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat at Barclays Center